Fantasy Hunter's Moon: Ascendancy [IC] [CLOSED]

[K0mori]

Afterwards, Evelyn glanced to the supplies next to Cassiel. "Once everyone is through resting and stocking up, we'll head out." she stated aloud as she folded her arms. She then looked over towards Sebastian. The same smile she had before appeared again. "Möchten Sie reden, während die Vorräte aufgefüllt werden?"

"Sicher. Außer Zigaretten brauche ich nicht viel," he replied with a shrug. It was the truth; traveling across the continent the way he had, Sebastian had gathered up more equipment than he had hands for. Carrying all of it was often the job of his horse, but Sebastian couldn't rely on Dantes when there were monsters or demons or whatever else nearby, and so he had gotten accustomed to carrying much of it on his back. By this point, he had trimmed up and gained muscle mass from the exertion, and he was stronger in both body and will than he had been at any point in his life.

"[You know, every person on this mission was chosen by Adona, which makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with him,]" Sebastian explained casually. "[I was on the front lines when he sent a rider out to find me. I had nothing to do with any of the important shit that everyone else around here's been wrapped up in for years. I did get to put this axe here through Vegras' skull, so that was pretty exciting, I suppose. How about you? Where do you come from? ...What do you do?]"

 

[Breadman]

"Oh, Royland told you what we are? I'm sure mister high and mighty knight in shining armor left a very nice impression with his burn-out." Just thinking about that fight again made him crave another cigarette, but he held off grabbing the box. "Violent, angry and hungry- that's us. As we help the shades extract their revenge on those who killed them, we gain a boon that quiets the hunger. I'm sure Royland told you that. The feeling is euphoric and pacifies the darkness inside for a time. The bigger the kill, the longer it lasts. As it goes away, the hunger returns, and so you go back to searching for another target. It's a constant chase that has burned through many of us, searching for the next big hit. Probably how Lozon keeps most of us in line. Well, minus one crazed wraith called Tiloc, but she was addicted to bloodshed long before she died."

"Should also say, after those two Icons we slew, I haven't heard one peep from the hunger. I thought that I was still flying high from the fight and the battlefield we passed, but this is different. I should be craving something by now."

 

[Infab]

"[You know, every person on this mission was chosen by Adona, which makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with him,]" Sebastian explained casually. "[I was on the front lines when he sent a rider out to find me. I had nothing to do with any of the important shit that everyone else around here's been wrapped up in for years. I did get to put this axe here through Vegras' skull, so that was pretty exciting, I suppose. How about you? Where do you come from? ...What do you do?]"

"[I'm originally from Geiselfurt, in southern Grünthal. Its about a seventy-five kilometers west from the border between Grünthal and Allenrode, if you were to go that way from here.]" said Evelyn. "[My mother was a milkmaid. My father was a lumberjack. I'm related to Riberta through my father's side of the family.]"

She unfolded her arms, sliding her hands into her jacket pockets. "[I drift between jobs, but primarily I alternate between the work of a lumberjack and blacksmith. There's always a need for people that know how to work with trees, as well as those that know their way around a furnace and forge. Now, I'm sort of a demon hunter... Strange occupational jump, isn't it?]" she said, casting Sebastian a glance and smirking. "[...I say that I drift because people tend not to be all that friendly once they find out you're a werebeast, and go straight to ostracizing you or reaching for the silver. It got to the point where I just grew tired of hiding it, thus the yellow eyes. People are a lot more... up front about things now, and it cuts through the bullshit.]"

She then sighed. "[And yeah, I totally understand. The gods are both fuckin' weird, and often outright idiots. Eh, what can you do, though?]" she said, in regards to his comments on Adona. "[I'm even less important. Riberta was the one that went into the Abyss. I'm just here because I'm blood-related to her, and know the area.]"

She glanced back in the direction that Riberta had departed in, then spoke once more. "[...By the way, she's not really my aunt. There's quite a few generations between us. I'm just related to her brother from way back then, and she found out. Soooo... now she treats me like I'm her niece. I just go with it. It seems to make her happy.]"

"She's an intense one."

Cassiel nodded slowly. "Indeed. Quite intense." he responded, before giving Azathor a smile. "But, of course, we've both dealt with intense individuals... and continue to do so."

"Any news from the Abyss?" he then asked, "I'm eager to hear how my men have been doing down there with Lisykna leading the charge."

"From what I understand, the assault on Kur has been costly for both sides. Your brother's forces were well prepared, and the battle was drawn out. Ultimately, Lisykna had to retreat after a duel with your brother. He temporarily blinded her with a magical attack, but I believe she might have forced his willpower to waver by using your words against him." explained the angel, "...When the time comes for you two to confront one another... and that time will come soon enough... you might be able to get through to him, and save him from falling alongside your father."

 

[demytra]

Azathor stiffened slightly on mention of his brother, though his normal mask slipped on hearing of what had happened. Lisykna had fought Astraal, in single combat no less, and survived the exchanged; not only that, but she also had managed to... it made the demon prince realize just how long it had been since he had spoken face to face with his brother. That last good memory he could remember between the two of them was lifetimes ago, at least in the warped perspective of the abyss, and everything after was marred with the looming presence of Sazak. It wasn't just his life that his father had robbed him from enjoying, but his brother's too in that sense in that all-consuming desire for perfection. A perfect heir in what demented thoughts lay in that blackened mind.

"I hope so." Azathor stated, nodding to the angel. "I like to believe he isn't too far gone, but... there is always that possibility." He didn't even want to entertain the thought of what would happen if that was to be the case. "To whom, then, does a demon pray to for hope?" Azathor then mused aloud of his quandry, half-expecting an answer that answered nothing.

 

[K0mori]

"[I'm originally from Geiselfurt, in southern Grünthal. Its about a seventy-five kilometers west from the border between Grünthal and Allenrode, if you were to go that way from here.]" said Evelyn. "[My mother was a milkmaid. My father was a lumberjack. I'm related to Riberta through my father's side of the family.]"

She unfolded her arms, sliding her hands into her jacket pockets. "[I drift between jobs, but primarily I alternate between the work of a lumberjack and blacksmith. There's always a need for people that know how to work with trees, as well as those that know their way around a furnace and forge. Now, I'm sort of a demon hunter... Strange occupational jump, isn't it?]" she said, casting Sebastian a glance and smirking. "[...I say that I drift because people tend not to be all that friendly once they find out you're a werebeast, and go straight to ostracizing you or reaching for the silver. It got to the point where I just grew tired of hiding it, thus the yellow eyes. People are a lot more... up front about things now, and it cuts through the bullshit.]"

"[Ah, yeah. I'm from down south in Helmland. We're a bit alike in the way that we don't settle down. My father was a salesman who dragged my mother and me all around the countryside, so I didn't get the chance to keep many friends until I joined the army - that was after he started drinking more and mom ran off to Tsavania, back where she came from. ...I never learned anything from my father, so I don't really have any practical skills outside of what I learned getting ready for war, and even if I did I don't know how I'd put them to use with the whole world coming unglued like this.]"

He looked at the quietness of the town nearby, as if suddenly confronted by the irony of his attitude. "[...I suppose I'd like to protect places like these, so demon hunting might be the answer.]" He cocked a wry smile, not entirely serious about devoting his entire life to the occupation, but at the same time open to it. "[On the other hand, I think I hate vampires even more - the bad ones I mean. Where I just came from... It gave me nightmares. It's all kind of linked I guess. Again, I don't know why Adona chose me for this.]"

She then sighed. "[And yeah, I totally understand. The gods are both fuckin' weird, and often outright idiots. Eh, what can you do, though?]" she said, in regards to his comments on Adona. "[I'm even less important. Riberta was the one that went into the Abyss. I'm just here because I'm blood-related to her, and know the area.]"

She glanced back in the direction that Riberta had departed in, then spoke once more. "[...By the way, she's not really my aunt. There's quite a few generations between us. I'm just related to her brother from way back then, and she found out. Soooo... now she treats me like I'm her niece. I just go with it. It seems to make her happy.]"

Sebastian chuckled. "[That, I figured. She's been around a long time, from what I've heard. And regardless of whether the gods think you're important right now, I'm happy you're here, and I'm sure everyone's glad to have your help. They were relying on me for a while to help guide them on our travels here in the Fatherland, but I haven't been as conversational lately as I ought to be.]"

 

[Infab]

"To whom, then, does a demon pray to for hope?"

Cassiel thought for a moment, his eyes drifting upwards as he pondered the question. "...Well, most demons that pray do so to Adriel." he eventually responded, "...After all, Adriel overcame immense trials and tribulations to do what she did. She ascended, became a titan to slay another titan, reshaped the Abyss, then founded a kingdom and ruled it justly. She was fueled by hope for something better for demonkind. She inspired hope in her followers, and became an example for other demons to mirror."

He then smiled. "...I'd say she's the perfect being to pray to for hope."

"[...I suppose I'd like to protect places like these, so demon hunting might be the answer.]" He cocked a wry smile, not entirely serious about devoting his entire life to the occupation, but at the same time open to it. "[On the other hand, I think I hate vampires even more - the bad ones I mean. Where I just came from... It gave me nightmares. It's all kind of linked I guess. Again, I don't know why Adona chose me for this.]"

"[It seems as though a life as a hunter might be in the cards for you. if you're good at it, can stomach all it brings... and have a distaste for the darker side of supernatural life, its a perfect fit.]" responded Evelyn, with a faint smile. "[Hunting is a rough life, honestly, if you do it alone. Find or start a guild... It pays to have allies.]"

She then chuckled. "[As for why Adona chose you, maybe he saw something bright in your future. Maybe you're destined for something grand, and this is just to get you on the path towards that.]" she said, before shrugging. "[Or... he could just be a jackass who likes to play with mortals. Who knows?]"

She then smiled wider. "[...Maybe after this is all over with, you could come find me again. I can teach you a few things.]" she said, before giving him a wink. "[Maybe share a few beers too.]"

"[That, I figured. She's been around a long time, from what I've heard. And regardless of whether the gods think you're important right now, I'm happy you're here, and I'm sure everyone's glad to have your help. They were relying on me for a while to help guide them on our travels here in the Fatherland, but I haven't been as conversational lately as I ought to be.]"

"[Well, I have a habit of making people talk. Maybe it'll work on you too.]" she said, flashing him a quick grin. It vanished as fast as it appeared, as she looked to the others. They looked pretty ready, so she motioned to his horse. "[We should get moving. We've got plenty of ground to cover between here and Escaria.]"

She then turned about, moving back to her horse and quickly mounting it. She swung into the saddle gracefully, adjusting her position before looking to the others again. "Alright. Saddle up. Let's get moving."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille had been taking the time to rest somewhat, back leaning against a tree with her eyes softly shut while the others conversed around her. Sebastian and Evelyn spoke in a language she could not understand, and Constantine and Xiaòzhou spoke of the Beaumont mission somewhat. To the huntress it was a series of murmurings that quieted her mind, though certain details she hadn't heard Hudson discuss about that journey into the Abyss did draw in her attention now and then. Still, she didn't necessarily feel the need to speak up at this time.

They would be journeying back to her homeland soon, and to Camille it seemed like it had been ages since she last resided there. Homesickness was certainly a feeling she had been experiencing, yet given how war-torn her country had become it was melancholic due to the fact she wasn't sure she even had a home to return to. The thought of it filled her with sadness and rage, especially when the huntress recalled the cruel puppet masters that were able to get their fellow man to turn on one another.

When the call to set out was made, she moved upright and exhaled softly before getting onto her horse somewhat swiftly. "Do lead on," Camille urged as she took up the reins.

 

[demytra]

"...I'd say she's the perfect being to pray to for hope."

"Hrm." Azathor grunted aloud as a replacement for a muse as he settled on the suggestion. "Don't think I ever prayed before if I'll be honest." he said with a shrug, and began to walk off. "...I'll give it a thought."

---

When the group was making ready to move, Azathor mounted atop his steed - feeding him another sugar cube - and scoffed. "Eat too many and you'll get fat." he commented to the beast, who only snorted in response and shook his head. He gave Horse a pat on the neck before straightening himself in the saddle: "After you." the demon prince said to Camille.

 

[Breadman]

Constantine finished smoking another cigarette and flicked the bud somewhere off to the side. The conversation with the oni was illuminating about the demons from beyond the Abyss and in turn he thought that he shared more enlightening details about his own nature to his distant cousin. It helped him put more things into perspective for his own situation. How things have changed ever since he got to the surface in these short weeks. That only served to reinforce the ideas that Lozon had brought up. Maybe that old demon's instincts hadn't been dulled by the ages of servitude, or maybe his gamble was playing off with a wraith that wasn't a religious fanatic. Was Royland part of that plan? Was a plan even there or was it a chance for a change that they couldn't let pass them by? Questions that he'd have to answer after the job's done.

The wraith would join the others as they prepared to pack up and leave. His own horse, summoned through the abyssal powers. Still healthier than it was before, but not by much. "Don't look at me for treats." He commented as it shook its head in his direction. "You eat the same way as me." The wraith climbed onto the saddle and led the horse to the others.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The inquisitor receded when his curiosity had been slaked, resting beside his steed in a silent vigil. Though his gaze trailed from the conversations unfolding amongst them, his focus barely lingered like a flickering, shifting shadow. He breathed, long and deep, chest rising slowly against his arms then falling languidly. A low, cold wind winnowed, clawing at his exposed skin — sinking into the jagged, sinew streaks of scars pockmarking his features. Rajko allowed that the sensation loosened the weariness from his bones, his muscles. Despite the machinations of nefarious and barbarous aspirants or the wicked cruelty he has met and meted out in equal measure, he found himself savouring the fragile, fleeting peace that hung about them now. He cradled it, wreathing his discipline in it to silence his mind.

It wouldn't last. Rajko's form tensed as though the relaxation froze in his limbs, the black ice of discipline seizing his musculature. He rolled his head, neck working the unneeded tension out of it. His eyes had remained on Evelyn, waiting before she moved to her horse. The inquisitor mounted his saddle before she spoke, straightening out his coat with one hand. Rajko's hand reached out, gracing through Leofwine's mane and hide. "Well," he intoned lowly, hard voice heartening softly, "Escaria is the one place that's eluded me until now." Rajko muttered, words tinged by a subtle touch of intrigue at thought of experiencing it, even with the pale shroud of War suffocating the land.

 

[Damian0358]

Having enjoyed his conversation with Constantine, Time flew with the conversation Xiaòzhou had with Constantine, and it was time to get moving. The hermit merely gave a simple nod, as he began floating off the ground and following the others. He gave Cassiel a wave as they began to depart.

 

[K0mori]

"[It seems as though a life as a hunter might be in the cards for you. if you're good at it, can stomach all it brings... and have a distaste for the darker side of supernatural life, its a perfect fit.]" responded Evelyn, with a faint smile. "[Hunting is a rough life, honestly, if you do it alone. Find or start a guild... It pays to have allies.]"

She then chuckled. "[As for why Adona chose you, maybe he saw something bright in your future. Maybe you're destined for something grand, and this is just to get you on the path towards that.]" she said, before shrugging. "[Or... he could just be a jackass who likes to play with mortals. Who knows?]"

She then smiled wider. "[...Maybe after this is all over with, you could come find me again. I can teach you a few things.]" she said, before giving him a wink. "[Maybe share a few beers too.]"

"Ja," Sebastian answered with a chuckle. He agreed with everything she had just said and had nothing to add, and he nearly missed the opportunity to tell her that he hoped to see her again. "[...I'd like that.]"

​

"[Well, I have a habit of making people talk. Maybe it'll work on you too.]" she said, flashing him a quick grin. It vanished as fast as it appeared, as she looked to the others. They looked pretty ready, so she motioned to his horse. "[We should get moving. We've got plenty of ground to cover between here and Escaria.]"

She then turned about, moving back to her horse and quickly mounting it. She swung into the saddle gracefully, adjusting her position before looking to the others again. "Alright. Saddle up. Let's get moving."

He nodded, taking a deep breath and reminding himself that there was a distance he needed to travel between this place and the rest of his life - the challenges awaiting him and the rest of the group on their travels would be dire, and he needed to regain his focus. "Okay, let's go," he agreed, and then headed back to ready Dantès for the next leg of their ride.

 

[Infab]

Not long after everyone was saddled up on their horses, they got underway. Cassiel gave each a final wave as they moved off into the pale grey forest ahead of them, and soon he vanished along with whatever supplies were left over. As the group passed between the trees, they'd get a better view of the strange, magic affected trees of the forest that they'd be making their way through to the occupied lands of Escaria's far north. Everything about the trees seemed to be discolored. The roots, the bark, the leaves... even the inner wood of the tree. Whatever happened here had to have been serious and on a massive scale.

Days would pass, the group stopping here and there to make camp. During the nights, Evelyn would share stories of her hunts during the war as well as tales she had heard of Riberta that had been passed down through the centuries. Certainly interesting to hear the stories from the other point of view, given that most of civilized society only saw the large hybrid as a bloodthirsty warlord.

The stories of years past made the Saint grow quiet over time, and far more introspective. She shifted to dwelling on her memories more than usual, sitting off to herself most nights.

...What if its not enough?

I fought Sazak myself, one-on-one. While he was simply an Icon... and eventually it killed me. How could I fight him in the form of a god, if it comes down to it?

...Why am I here? Someone else could have been brought back in my place... Someone stronger. Ser Vought, or Ser Kellet, or Dame Yaxley... Even Lord Strader of old, who slew the Utukku... Why me?

Hundreds of years ago...
​

"[...I think they may be coming this way... I can smell the forest burning...]"

"[I know... They're hunting for survivors that fled into the forest. We need to keep going... if we cross the river and head south, we can cross into Lord Styward's lands. Maybe we can find shelter there somewhere...]"

"[...Do you think... mother and father... or even our brothers?]"

"[...Those demons don't spare anyone, sister...]"

The young girl's eyes welled up with tears. However, she held it in. Now wasn't the time to cry. They had to escape to safety, like their mother and father had instructed. She reached up and took her teenage sister's hand, squeezing it as tightly as her frail body would allow.

Rebecca smiled faintly, looking down upon her sister. "[We'll make it, Grace... I know we will.]" she said softly, before lifting her sister up onto her back. "[Hold on tight.]" she breathed, before she began her trek through the forest. She moved as fast as her legs would allow her to, darting in the direction of the river to the south of their now burning village.

​

"Hey, Saint. Wake up."

Rebecca's eyes snapped open, the knightess twitching as her head popped up to look around. Standing before her was Evelyn, who had just kicked her leg gently to rouse her. She must have fallen asleep sitting up, as her sword was laying in her lap along with the rag she used to clean it. It was dawn, light gleaming through the trees above. The trees themselves were a bit less gray here, as they were nearing the Escarian border. Well, where the real border was, not the current military imposed one.

She yawned and stood, sliding her sword into its sheath before looking to Evelyn. "How... long was I out?" she asked, her tone soft.

"A few hours. We let you sleep." responded the huntress, "...You okay? You've been acting strange the past few nights."

"I'm fine. Just dwelling on the past." answered Rebecca, casting her gaze to the others nearby. They were apparently almost ready to press on across the border.

Evelyn eyed her for a moment, before speaking aloud so that everyone could hear in the camp. "...Wanted to give you all a heads-up. There's Daristeinian soldiers in the area, and they're not friendly. Reports from a few friends that have been through here say these have been possessed. Eyes have changed, and they act different." she stated, "Remington should be meeting us just across the border soon. If you start to hear bird calls, freeze."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow, looking back to Evelyn, before nodding. "Understood. Bird calls, stop moving."

 

[Breadman]

The Abyss

"May I ask you a question, ser?" Colette picked up a syringe from her tray and inspected it. "Would you ever go back to your ways as a wraith by your own will? Would you willingly help a shade in their plight if you could?"

"I am bound to do so, were I allowed to do so." Royland spoke, his voice low and in pain. "Yet, as you can see, I am incapable of doing that." He raised his arms, the chains wrapped around his forearms clinked. After his fight with Connor, the demon Lozon did not want to take chances with him. After every battle, he would be taken back, chained up and examined to determine how much of his energy he had burned through. Royland would not resist. He didn't know what was happening to him in the Abyss and why he had become so full of rage. The only sure way to find out was to play along with the demon for now.

The knight laid back his arms on the chair's armrests as he sank back into it. The metal was sturdy enough, and it couldn't be broken in a fit of rage unlike some wooden furniture, but that was not enough for him. "Are you looking for aid, my lady?"

"I told you not to call me that. I'm not nobility."

"Yet you have been the only one to show any in this forsaken pit."

"Charming." She didn't sound impressed by his remaining chivalry. Colette turned around and leaned back on the table, resting her arms on the stained wood, "I have another question for you. How did you leave the Abyss?"

"I take Lozon has told you some excuse. How he conducted an experiment. That demon fancies himself a scholar." Royland's voice became agitated as he spoke more about his master. "It was my faith that did it. He could not bear it that I had more devotion to the Goddess than loyalty to him. 'Take this talisman and go.' He barked. 'Go see how the mortal realms and your beloved Goddess will treat the abomination you've become.' He taunted me up to the moment I left." Colette grimaced at the mention of Valin, but she had no one to blame but herself. Of course, he would talk about her.

"You don't believe he had another reason, then?"

"He says he does. He tells more truths than your average demon, but what good is that?" Royland's stirred in the chair, moving ever so slightly under the chains. "You can believe him if you wish, but I question the wisdom of trusting a creature of the Abyss by its word."

"I have reason to, if you would listen." He was silent in his response, "Wrath demons cannot lie. They are creatures of rage and violence. Subterfuge and deception are foreign to them by nature. Have you ever heard of a wrath demon that has won by trickery? The examples would be scarce. Another reason is that unlike your goddess, Lozon has placed effort for my kind." She noticed his hands grip the armrests, trying to ball themselves into fists. "Valin made us to punish the worst sinners beyond the grave in her fit of 'judgment', but it was Lozon who created the method for us to do it."

"You would trust demons before the gods?" The anger returned to his voice, nowhere near how it was when he fought Connor, but his indignation was palpable. "You bark at me last time we talked for speaking of her, and now you bring her into the conversation to spit venom."

"I trust my eyes and the afterlife I led, thanks to your goddess, ser. What god that claims to love humanity would do this? And what of the rest? Why would they allow her to continue?" He stirred again, the chains clanking louder and louder as he moved. The runes engraved by Tiloc were holding him tight, but for how long? "Yet, I shouldn't interrogate those question from you, ser. You're a victim of their actions too, as I see it."

"You speak heresies to me and expect me to ignore them now that your voice has grown soft?" He spat out.

"No, ser, I do not." She placed her palm on her forehead, rubbing it in exhaustion, and let out a tired sigh. "If you'll answer me one final question, I'll leave you be."

"What is it, witch?"

"Do you believe your actions were just?"

"Of course. I had the blessing of the Lady and the devotion to see her work through."

"Then why did your soul come to the Abyss instead of the Heavens?"

"...I...I was robbed. I was to meet my wife and my child at the gates as I was promised, but something was wrong."

"I see." His faltering mumblings were enough for her. Colette turned her attention to the equipment she was cleaning before this conversation began. She placed them in a bag and prepared to leave the tent. "I must tend to the wounded, ser. I hope that despite this, you can forgive me reaching beyond my station." She made it a few steps before he called out to her.

"Why did you ask me all of this? Can you satisfy my curiosity in turn?" She stood in sillence for a few moments, "Please."

"The man who made me this. The creature you see before you. He is in the Abyss. The only man from your ranks who I could trust to see him to justice was taken to the Mortal realms to clean up your mess. Lozon claims you are of equal value, yet I was unconvinced."

"And what do you think?" Colette turned her head to the side.

"I remain unconvinced."
---
The Mortal Realms

As they traversed the land, Constantine felt less and less of the haze that had gripped him before. Slowly, more memories would form in his mind. Names, dates and faces, but nothing certain yet. One of the memories that returned, much to his surprise, was the faint muscle memory in his fingers of pulling specific strings. He did something in his life before all the killing and gambling. Happier memories. Maybe there was something to the man before it all came unraveled. Maybe he could find something to rekindle more of those memories.

"Mornin!" He greeted the saint as he saw her wake up. "Any idea how close we're getting to the next artifact?"

 

[demytra]

"...Wanted to give you all a heads-up. There's Daristeinian soldiers in the area, and they're not friendly. Reports from a few friends that have been through here say these have been possessed. Eyes have changed, and they act different." she stated, "Remington should be meeting us just across the border soon. If you start to hear bird calls, freeze."

Azathor had been lazily packing up his things after waking, and perked up when the news was given regarding enemies nearby and their point of contact to cross the border. Possessed soldiers was nothing new, they would have to deal with them like they did with others - and in turn put those souls out of their misery. But what made him concerned was their meeting with Remington, as by now the demon prince had intrinsically understood that nothing was as easy as it was supposed to be. Crossing the Atracan-Tsavanian trenches, the old dwarf fortress, and now this - something was bound to be amiss.

"And what if he's not there?" Azathor asks with a hint of caution.

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian yawned loudly, stretching with his hands on his hips until a deep pop emanated from his sternum. "Oof!" he grunted before relaxing, looking contented all the while. "...Can't believe I slept so well last night," he said to nobody in particular. The ride through the pale forest had been uneventful, and so, while Sebastian hadn't allowed himself to become chipper like he had been when he entered Daristein, he made sure to appreciate the peace ahead of the next stage of their journey and think about things that give him hope, instead of the extreme depravity of what he had seen below the mountain.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The inquisitor was quiet. But beneath the stone-rigid discipline he imposed upon himself, Rajko couldn't help but admit a degree of serenity in the forest of a thousand grey edifices. The towering pillars of slate wood almost vigilant of the interlopers that stalked beneath their ashen leaves and around their thick trunks like wandering spirits. His eyes had been shifting from one end to another, not only out of attentive caution, but relishing the sight still. The long days of travel tilted into longer nights of starless skies, the moon's pale brilliance barely a faded reminder behind the colourless canopy. Rajko found himself attentive of the tales remembered by Riberta's blood, his attention partly snatched by the deeper perspective of a fate such as theirs.

Eventually, the shadows of his mind prowled close, stirred by the stink of fatigue as though they were predators scenting fresh, dripping vitality. The darkness took him once more. And its grip unyielding, deep, warm. His curled form might've been mistaken for a repentant statue, a figure carved from black stone to extoll the virtues of self-penance. It was only the slow, steady rhythm of his chest widening and narrowing with breath that disabused such notions.

Consciousness soon returned, an almost fitful flicker of life flaring alive like a sudden inferno. He rose, finding his feet sluggish and clumsy, the effects of his sound slumber staining his mind. His eyes prised open and registered the men and women around him. He stretched his arms then back, working the muscles awake and ready. The Saint slept still, Rajko's eyes glancing from her immobile form to the huntress approaching with a degree of care.

The inquisitor kept his gaze on the Saint as he prepared for the journey ahead. There was something in the way her voice echoed off the encircling trees. Something inherent, pervasive through the staunchness of her spirit. He did not know what ailed her. Perhaps, it was a conjuration of his mind still rising from its inner-rest. But if something truly troubled her, Rajko hoped she is bestowed with the strength to resist it.

"As you say." Rajko spoke, fists clenching and unclenching, preparation thrumming through his fingers. "Is there any specificity to the signal? A particular species' call, or set of?" Rajko inquired, slipping his boot into his steed's stirrup. The shattering storm hung ahead of him, the last embers of peace flaking away into the cold, uncaring winds.